Kia's have been around since around 1992 I think? I worked on Kia's and Rovers, Range Rovers etc., and they weren't bad but I wouldn't buy one. Some use components from other marques. The Kia Pride was basically a Mazda 121. Engines are good but trim is the single thing letting them down.
Got to agree with Skids, they are basically rehashed models from other makes, sometimes 20 years or so out of date. They are usually way out of touch in any of the criteria that anyone who enjoys driving considers important. If you really must have a new car, and just regard a car as a means of transport, then I guess thats ok, but for the same money you could have any number of way better second hand motors. Americans dont know any better, (I mean, just look at what they drive!!)
But skids is being a bit harsh, surely? I drove a Ford Fiesta for the last 2 years. The Fiesta was a great little motor but the Kia is much bigger, with a bigger engine and a huge boot space. It is therefore an improvement on the Fiesta. How can it be among the worst vehicles ever made?